Hiring a contractor: the basics

Tips to avoid unscrupulous worken

Before hiring a contractor for repair work make sure they are licensed and insured.

Rachel Green/Herald

By Jeff Bessen

Village of Cedarhurst Trustee Ari Brown, who is also a builder, developer and designer has received countless calls, text and emails regarding construction advice and the ethics of the industry.

“Many people are so desperate to get back into their homes that they are willing to pay any price, to any contractor, without following the proper protocols and procedures to ensure that they won’t be left with an even worse mess, whether physically or monetarily,” Brown said. “There are many, many unethical characters out there that are looking to prey on people’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities, especially during the aftermath of these past storms.”